New Study Reveals Genetics Play Larger Role in Lifespan Than Previously Thought
A new analysis published in Science revealed that genetics account for approximately 55% of a person's lifespan, challenging previous scientific consensus that estimated the heritability of longevity at 10-25%. The study, released on January 29, 2026, suggests that genetics play a much larger role in how long a person lives than previously thought.
The findings should aid in the quest to find specific genes involved in aging and to develop treatments, according to study co-author Ben Shenhar, a biophysicist. The research, which was based on twin studies, aims to elucidate how much a person's genes contribute to specific traits such as lifespan.
In other news, polar bear researchers in Norway are baffled by unexpected results from new Arctic research, according to Vox. Polar bears have become the poster child for the peril of climate change because they hunt seals from the ice, and as fossil fuels warm the planet, that ice is disappearing.
In entertainment news, Yerin Ha landed the role of Sophie Baek in Bridgerton’s fourth season, becoming the series’ first Korean lead and second Asian lead, after Simone Ashley played Kate Sharma in Season 2, according to Time. Ha plays the romantic interest of Benedict (Luke Thompson), the second eldest of the Bridgerton siblings. "I'm quite introverted, so I was like, she's not going to know who I am," Ha recalls about messaging Ashley. To her surprise, Ashley messaged her first. "She said, I'm here for you if you need," Ha recalls.
Meanwhile, a correction was issued by Nature regarding a previous article published on April 9, 2025, concerning hunter-gatherer sea voyages in the Mediterranean. According to Nature, the errors referred to one specific element of the study, the regional model of the timing of the Mesolithic to Neolithic transition which was discussed in the Supplementary Information and presented in Extended Data Fig. 1. While Nature considers it scientifically prudent to issue a correction, they emphasize that the results of this specific part of their analysis are virtually the same as previously.
Finally, according to Vox, many Gen Z men are surprisingly excited about parenthood. "I definitely want to have kids," Branden Estrada, an 18-year-old college freshman, told Vox. "I had such a good family life that I've always thought about what it's going to be like for me to have kids of my own." Estrada is excited to share his favorite Transformers and Spider-Man movies with his kids, and he's put some of his old toys aside to pass down to them.
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